Washington D.C. – Three exceptional Teen Ambassadors from Miami-Dade County 4-H made their mark at the 2024 Ignite by 4-H conference, an annual gathering that drew over 1,200 teen delegates from across the United States. Supported by a generous scholarship from the Walmart Foundation, these young leaders were selected to present their innovative workshop, “Igniting Sparks for Health Education Through Youth-Adult Partnerships,” spotlighting the critical role of health education in their community.
The Ignite by 4-H conference, held from March 13th to 17th in Washington, D.C., served as a vibrant platform for youth to delve into pressing topics across agriscience, healthy living, and STEM. Miami-Dade County’s Teen Ambassadors, Luis Acosta, Fabiana Arcila, and Jazmin Mason, stood out by sharing their unique perspectives on enhancing health education through effective collaborations between youth and adults. Their session emphasized culturally inclusive approaches to nutrition and health education, empowering both peers and community members alike.
“Our participation in the Ignite by 4-H conference was not just an opportunity to share our workshop but a moment to showcase the power of youth in leading health education initiatives,” said Kenan Bridges, 4-H Extension Agent. “With the support of our partners, we’re not just envisioning a healthier future; we’re actively building it.”
The conference’s diverse agenda featured workshops across various tracks, including Agriscience, Healthy Living, and STEM, each designed to spark new interests and expand the horizons of its young attendees. Keynote speakers featured
Gitanjali Rao, celebrated inventor, author, and Time Magazine’s inaugural “Kid of the Year,” alongside TikTok’s renowned content creator Daniel Mac, and Emily Calandrelli, also known as “The Space Gal.” Miami-Dade County’s ambassadors took full advantage of the conference to further their knowledge, network with peers, and gain insights into global health challenges.
Jazmin shared, “During my time spent at the conference, I gained valuable insight from my peers. The experience enlightened me on issues that I didn’t know about and taught me new things I can do for future projects. It motivates me to reach bigger audiences.”
The Teen Ambassadors’ journey to the Ignite by 4-H conference and their presentation underscore Miami-Dade County 4-H’s dedication to fostering leadership, education, and community service among youth.
By Kenan Bridges, KenanBridges@ufl.edu.
For more information about this and other 4-H programs in Miami-Dade County, contact our Agents at 305-769-4050.
ABOUT MIAMI-DADE 4-H
4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. Over 230,000 members in the State of Florida help to make up the community of more than 6.5 million young people across America. 4-H is a nonformal, practical educational program for youth. Florida 4-H is the youth development program of Florida Cooperative Extension, a part of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). 4-H provides opportunities for all youth ages 5-18.
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